Compare Zoloft vs. Prozac

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, ratings, and more.

Improves mood and helps you relax. Zoloft (Sertraline) is good for treating depression and anxiety. It's more likely to cause insomnia and diarrhea than other antidepressants.

Improves mood and helps you relax. Prozac (Fluoxetine) is good for treating depression and anxiety. It's more energizing than other antidepressants, but may not be the best choice for people who have trouble sleeping.

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› Can cause sexual side effects like low libido and an inability to orgasm or ejaculate.

› Can cause sexual side effects like low libido and an inability to orgasm or ejaculate.

› Prozac (Fluoxetine) can cause lower sex drive or difficulty having an orgasm. If the problem persists after the first 2 to 3 months, you can talk to your doctor about alternative antidepressants or performance-enhancing medications.

Sleep

› Causes less drowsiness than other antidepressants.

› Stopping Prozac (Fluoxetine) suddenly may cause withdrawal symptoms such as nausea, anxiety, agitation, flu-like symptoms, trouble sleeping, and dizziness. Withdrawal symptoms usually occur within 3 days of stopping the medication, and go away within 1 to 2 weeks. Work with your doctor to gradually reduce your dose.

Weight

No specific weight-related info.

No specific weight-related info.

Upsides and benefits

Zoloft

Prozac

› Effective at lowering symptoms and relapse rates of depression and anxiety disorders.

› Causes less drowsiness than other antidepressants.

› Six out of ten people who use an antidepressant for the first time find that it works for them.

› Effective at relieving depression and anxiety symptoms.

› Lowers relapse rates of depression and bulimia nervosa.

› Causes less sleepiness than other antidepressants.

› It's more energizing than other antidepressants, so it's good for people who have low energy.

› It has been used to treat depression for a long time, so there's a lot of information available about how it works and how safe it is.

› Six out of ten people who use an antidepressant for the first time find that it works for them.

Downsides and risks

Zoloft

Prozac

› More likely to cause diarrhea than other antidepressants.

› Can cause sexual side effects like low libido and an inability to orgasm or ejaculate.

› Like most antidepressants, it can cause a higher risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior for people younger than 24.

› The first antidepressant you try doesn't always work or it can cause side effects you really don't like. You might need to try a few different medications until you find one that works for you.

› Can increase feelings of anxiety or cause headaches during the first few weeks of taking it. These effects should go away over time.

› More likely than other antidepressants to interact with other medications you're taking.

› Can cause sexual side effects like low libido and an inability to orgasm or ejaculate.

› Like most antidepressants, it can cause a higher risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior for people younger than 24.

› The first antidepressant you try doesn't always work or it can cause side effects you really don't like. You might need to try a few different medications until you find one that works for you.

Tips from our pharmacists for people taking the medication

Zoloft

Prozac

› It interacts with St. John's Wort and Tryptophan.

› Takes about 8 to 12 weeks to see the medication's full effects on your mood.